Editors' Review

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 2.0 is a substantial update to the famed malware-killing machine. This new malware hunter also integrates rootkit detection directly into the software and sports a more streamlined interface.

Pros

New design: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 2.0 sports an upgraded look that's more approachable. The more modern design is also an improvement -- larger boxes, fewer tabs, touch-friendly buttons, and adaptive windows. The program tucks nicely into your system tray when not in use and feels sleeker overall.

Features and utilities: Anti-Malware 2.0 has improved 64-bit support and now comes with built-in Anti-Rootkit. Access managers, automatic schedulers, exclusion options, and other utilities are still available, tucked away in the Settings tab.

Security: Malwarebytes tweaked the user flow to improve protection. Prior to running a scan, Anti-Malware 2.0 looks for out-of-date versions, so you'll be running the latest version without question. And while infected computers sometimes block anti-malware apps, Malwarebytes' Chameleon tech stubbornly gets Anti-Malware installed and running, whether or not the PC has malicious programs on it.

Cons

Subscription model: Although existing Lifetime owners will be grandfathered in, new users who want the premium version must get an annual subscription. However, the free version will still exist for all users.

Bottom Line

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 2.0 maintains its excellent track record as a strong anti-malware application. The visual refresh, interface tweaks, and inclusion of built-in rootkit detection make it a more modern competitor. While the subscription model may not be for everyone, it's becoming a more widely accepted standard for many security programs.

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Publisher's Description

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is an easy-to-use anti-malware application available in both a Free and Premium version. The Free version is well-known for its detection and removal capabilities, and the Premium version uses advanced protection technologies to proactively stop malware infections. Additionally, Malwarebytes offers a host of extra utilities as well as an approachable forum community to help you combat any piece of malware that exists in the wild.

Having a problem and customer support is of no use unless one is tech. savvy which I am not. Unable to contact corporate headquarters. Asked for a refund, Still waiting. Support is something that should help to resolve without jumping through a hoop!!

This anti-malware really finds everything. It has saved me many times, and I haven't had any problems. There are 3 types of scans which will save you time if you are suspicious about something like a certain folder that might contain any malware.

Cons

The only con I can think of is if you have a cheap, 400 dollar laptop like me. If your laptop can't really handle too much, it may slow down your performance which is really only noticeable if you're playing a game, otherwise you won't notice anything. This effect only occurs when I have a lot going on with my computer, and an active program that detects malware is protecting me.

Summary

I have used 2 free trials, and now I have finally convinced myself to buy the premium deal. I don't ever pay for things like this. Considering the price and how cheap it is, with a coupon that you can google and use, this REALLY amazing product is so worth it. I bought the premium at 20 dollars(original was 25) for 3 computers over 1 year. This is less than 7 dollars per computer for 12 months! Their pricing and efficiency is overall worth the pay.

It does a great job, and I further do not understand where all these negative comments are coming from. This software is one of the best there is and does what it says it will do. I am getting the impression some computers can not handle it, or there is a corruption on the computer somewhere or not enough memory. But at any rate, I have used it for years and it has saved me several times and I have never had a problem slowing down the computer or anything else.

Cons

None that I can think of, all software goes through a period of problems till they understand it all. Do not be in such a hurry to get rid of something because you do not understand it...learn to use things properly or find out why by asking for help.

Summary

It works well and it does a good job, I would not be without this. I have been using it for about 4 years now and never a download problem or a slowing down of my computer, so I have no idea why others are having this problem, they might need help with it, as there is always a reason for something not working correctly...

They just informed me that there is a bug in new version 2.1.8 that prevents some downloads from initializing. I'll keep using my current version 2.1.6 until they fix it.
Also, Malwarebytes "free" doesn't offer a quick scan, so it'll take a long time to do a full scan. IOBIT does offer a quick scan to free users.

It's an ongoing problem trying to download Malwarebytes. I have an XP and use Firefox. I tried turning off my firewall and Avast anti virus but that didn't help. I keep get messages that the download didn't initialize?

Summary

My solution is to forget about Malwarebytes, until these problems are fixed and download OBIT which is now more highly rated.

Updated on Jul 14, 2015

Malwarebytes has acknowledged that they have a bug in the new version 2.1.8 that prevents some downloads from initializing. I'll be using previous version 2.1.6 until they fix it.

Fantastic product. (Usually) installs easily, and gets the crap out of your system so you can work.

Cons

BIG negative. No phone support, even for paid users. When I've tried to use their online email form to get support, all I've gotten back is an automated email saying that they'll get back to me... And no follow up. If you try contacting the corporate office, no one even answers the phone. You get nothing but voicemail boxes.

Summary

Good product, just don't expect them to help when their program does NOT work.

Freezes computer for 4 minutes on a custom scan and takes a further 2 minutes to scan a single .png file.
Freezes computer for a 2nd time, (8 minutes), when running a full scan.
Unlike the old 1.75 version there's no context option to scan an individual file when you right-click on it.

Summary

I disabled Avast and the Windows Firewall when I installed this product so don't go there. This is the 2nd time i've tried this product. I had the same problem with an earlier version last year. Avast + Malwarebytes has been a known issue for a long time. Each blames the other, (Google search for it if you wish). I like both. I've given this a neutral grade. It does works with Avast on XP but it works badly. If you're using either Avast or XP I recommend loading the 1.75 version from FileHippo.com.

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